Briefs

Hallensteins Aus push
MELBOURNE: New Zealand-headquartered group Gallenstein Glasson has sought to improve its presence in the Australian market through the appointment of new Melbourne-based group CEO Shayne Quanchi. Formerly Myer Miss Shop and young men's divisional business manager, Quanchi - who has previously held a management role with Just Jeans and has owned her own import and wholesale clothing business - will remain Melbourne based and divide her time between both Australia and New Zealand. Hallensteins said Quanchi's appointment was "strategically significant" in that it supports its determination to strengthen its presence and position in the Australian market. Hallenstein Glasson Holdings currently has 25 Glassons stores in Australia. In New Zealand there are 36 Glassons stores, 47 Hallensteins stores, and three Storm stores.

DJs to redevelop site
PERTH: David Jones has announced plans for a drastic rebuilding of its Claremont store to bring it into line with a redevelopment of the Claremont Shopping Centre. Expected to open in early 2011, the changes will see the size of the existing store increase by almost 60 per cent. It will also see the introduction of a broader range of brands. The existing store will close in early 2000 to accommodate the construction. As part of the deal, David Jones has been granted a 20-year lease with two 10-year renewal options in relation to the site on which the new store will be located.

Myer hearts NY
NATIONAL: Australian department store Myer will kick off its New York Fashion Week assault tonight with a special gala cocktail party in the city's Gramercy Hotel. The three-hour gala will include a showcase of Australian design talent including Josh Goot, Jayson Brunsdon, Camilla and Marc and Leona Edminston. A number of Australian and American celebrities are expected to attend, along with representatives from noted New York brands. The party will be hosted by American television personality Carson Kressley and will be attended by former Miss Universe and face of Myer Jennifer Hawkins.

Shop closure
MELBOURNE: Accessories brand Luxe has closed down its flagship store in Brighton. The designers behind the brand, sisters Jade Schilling and Courtney Saxon, said the move was prompted by a desire to concentrate wholly on the wholesale and online retail arms of the business. Established in 2001, the label - which means luxury in French - features bags, belts, shoes, jewellery, clutches and purses and is stocked across 40 plus boutiques around Australia. For more: luxeaccessories.com.

Myer's pink bits
NATIONAL: Department store Myer has introduced a new range of youthwear to its mix. The label, dubbed Miss Pink, features playful everyday essential underwear as well as sleep and loungewear pieces. Targeted at young girls who like the "cute and sexy look", the range offers mix and match colours and prints as well as embellishments such as frilled edging and shirring. Colours in the range, released late last month, include a pallet of blues, pinks, lemons, aqua's combining candy stripes, polka dots and playful animal prints of butterflies and bunnies. Retail prices range from $7.95 for bikini briefs up to $49.95 for hoodies and robes.